Some residents allowed to return after fatal pipeline leak

DECATUR, Neb. (AP) – Some northeast Nebraska residents who evacuated have been allowed to return to their homes if they live more than two miles from where leaking anhydrous ammonia killed a local farmer.

Magellan Midstream Partners, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, said Thursday that people who live within two miles of where the pipeline leak occurred in Burt County still could not go home.

Magellan has been repairing the 8-inch-diameter pipeline that carries the fertilizer. When released from a tank or pipe, the liquid becomes a lethal gas that can cause severe chemical burns and damage the tissue of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs.

Authorities have said 59-year-old Phillip Hennig, of Tekamah, was killed by the fumes Monday night while checking on the leak.